Aug. 13 was bittersweet for Oxford Village resident Tony Albensi. The Village President turned in his letter of resignation and the common council accepted it unanimously.

“As you know my wife (Jessica Hallmark) and I recently purchased a new residence outside of the Village . . Therefore, I must reluctantly tender my resignation as President of the Village Council effective Aug. 14, 2013,” Albensi wrote in his letter. “The Village of Oxford has been my home since 2005 and I have been honored to serve as a member of the Oxford Village Council for the last six years During my time here our family and I have been fortunate to find many great friends and make wonderful memories. We will always cherish this community and we look forward to seeing it grows and prosper.”

At the meeting Albensi told council, “It has been a great experience so thank you all so very much.”

The Albensi family is not moving far, just down M-24 to Orion Township.

Elected to council in September 2007, Albensi has only served as president since this past January. He was elected to lead the council after then Village President Tom Benner’s death. During his tenure on council Albensi was a staunch advocate for fiscal conservatism, favoring cuts in both taxes and “excessive spending.”

He’s also a strong proponent of requiring village employees to pay a greater share of their health insurance premiums and examining other ways to save tax money such as potentially contracting for police dispatch services with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Elgin Nichols wished Albensi luck. “You’ve done a great job. There’s a lot more work to be done and we’re sure going to miss you.”

Audience member Bob Allen gave a kind word to Albensi as well.

“Tony, for the six years I’ve known you we’ve had a few arguments and some disagreements, but it’s been a pleasure having you on the council and as president,” he said. “I think you did an outstanding job and I look forward to the next person who takes your place and that he or she can do as well. Thanks for your time and effort.”

Councilwoman Sue Bossardet shed a few tears about the resignation.

“I know that we’ve had disagreements in the past, but through all of that I always respected you,” she told Albensi. “I think you’ve done a great job being president and you’re going to be missed.”

Albensi, emotional as well, thanked everyone for their kind words. “It’s been an incredible experience to do this.” To the council he added, “And I’m so glad I got to know each and everyone of you and previous council members. I’ve made some great friends along the way. I’m going to miss this, but it’s a new chapter in my life coming ahead.”

The next step for Village Council will be to appoint someone for the remainder of the term, which will be until Nov. 2014. The council has 30 days to make the appointment.

Applications to serve on the Village are being accepted at the Village Office at 22 W. Burdick Street. The compensations is $15 per meeting. The regular council meetings are scheduled the second and forth Tuesdays each month starting at 6:30 p.m.